Deaths on January 13

Schuyler Colfax, American journalist and politician, 17th Vice President of the United States (b. 1823)

Schuyler Colfax Jr. (March 23, 1823 – January 13, 1885) was a prominent American journalist, astute businessman, and influential politician who rose through the ranks of U.S. government during a transformative period in the nation's history. His distinguished career culminated in his service as the 17th Vice President of the United States from 1869 to 1873, immediately following a highly impactful tenure as the 25th Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1863 to 1869.

Colfax's political journey began with the Whig Party, a major political force in the mid-19th century. As the political landscape shifted, he briefly aligned with the short-lived People's Party of Indiana, a regional movement reflecting growing anti-slavery sentiments. Ultimately, he became a foundational member of the Republican Party, which emerged as a dominant force largely on an anti-slavery platform. Throughout his service as the U.S. representative for Indiana's 9th congressional district from 1855 to 1869, Colfax was widely recognized for his unwavering and vocal opposition to slavery.

A Champion Against Slavery and Speaker of the House

During his impactful first term as Speaker of the House, Schuyler Colfax played a pivotal role in one of the most significant legislative achievements in American history: leading the effort to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This monumental amendment formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude across the nation, marking a definitive end to this deeply entrenched institution. When the Thirteenth Amendment came before the House for its final vote in January 1865, Colfax, in a rare and powerful gesture, cast a vote in favor of its passage. By convention, the Speaker of the House typically only votes to break a tie; his vote, therefore, served as an emphatic public statement of his profound support for the abolition of slavery, underscoring the gravity and personal commitment he felt towards the cause.

The Vice Presidency: Ambition, Duty, and Political Challenges

Following his successful tenure as Speaker, Colfax was chosen as Ulysses S. Grant's running mate for the 1868 presidential election. The ticket, capitalizing on Grant's immense popularity as a Civil War hero and Colfax's legislative experience and anti-slavery credentials, easily triumphed over the Democratic Party nominees, Horatio Seymour and Francis Preston Blair Jr. As Vice President, Colfax's primary constitutional duty was to serve as the President of the U.S. Senate. However, reflecting the typical nature of the vice presidency during the 19th century, he had relatively little direct involvement in the day-to-day operations and policy decisions of the Grant administration. Despite this, Colfax remained a public figure, continuing to engage in popular lecture tours and contributing articles to the press while in office.

In 1870, anticipating that President Grant would serve only one term, Colfax made a significant political maneuver. He attempted to garner support for his own bid for the 1872 Republican presidential nomination, signaling to friends and supporters that he would not seek a second vice-presidential term. However, when President Grant announced his intention to seek re-election, Colfax swiftly reversed his position and attempted to secure the vice-presidential nomination once more. Despite his efforts, he was ultimately defeated by Henry Wilson, signaling a downturn in his political fortunes.

The Crédit Mobilier Scandal and Its Aftermath

Colfax's political career, which had reached such heights, was irrevocably marred by the infamous Crédit Mobilier scandal. An extensive Congressional investigation conducted in 1872–73 revealed widespread corruption. The probe identified Colfax as one of several high-ranking federal government officials who, in 1868, had allegedly accepted illicit payments of cash and discounted shares of stock from Crédit Mobilier of America. This construction company was ostensibly contracted to build the Union Pacific Railroad, but it was used as a front to defraud the government and shareholders, diverting immense profits. The payments to politicians were purportedly in exchange for favorable actions or inaction during the critical construction phase of the transcontinental railroad, which relied heavily on government funding and support.

Though Schuyler Colfax vociferously defended himself against these grave charges, denying any wrongdoing, the pervasive nature of the scandal and the weight of the allegations severely damaged his public reputation and political standing. The cloud of suspicion effectively ended his career in electoral politics. Colfax concluded his term as Vice President in March 1873, and true to the lasting impact of the scandal, he never again sought public office. In the subsequent years, he transitioned back into the private sector, working as a business executive and once again finding success as a highly sought-after and popular lecturer and speechmaker, leveraging his oratorical skills outside the political arena.

Schuyler Colfax suffered a heart attack and died tragically at a railroad station in Mankato, Minnesota, on January 13, 1885, at the age of 61, while en route to a speaking engagement in Iowa. His legacy is uniquely marked by his distinction as one of only two individuals in American history to have served as both Speaker of the House of Representatives and Vice President of the United States, the other notable figure being John Nance Garner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schuyler Colfax Jr.

What notable achievements did Schuyler Colfax have?

Schuyler Colfax Jr. served as the Speaker of the House during the Civil War, where he notably led the effort to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery. He later became Vice President under President Ulysses S. Grant. He was also a founder of the Republican Party.

What was Schuyler Colfax's role in the Thirteenth Amendment?

As Speaker of the House, Colfax spearheaded the legislative effort to pass the Thirteenth Amendment. He made a rare and significant symbolic gesture by casting a vote in favor of its passage in January 1865, emphasizing his strong support, even though the Speaker typically only votes to break a tie.

What was the Crédit Mobilier scandal, and how was Colfax involved?

The Crédit Mobilier scandal involved a construction company, Crédit Mobilier of America, which defrauded the government during the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. Schuyler Colfax was identified in a congressional investigation as one of several federal officials who allegedly accepted cash payments and discounted stock from the company in 1868, purportedly in exchange for favorable actions related to the railroad project. While he defended his innocence, the scandal severely damaged his reputation.

Why did Schuyler Colfax not seek re-election after his vice presidency?

Schuyler Colfax's political career was effectively ended by his implication in the Crédit Mobilier scandal. Despite his vociferous defense, the damage to his reputation was so severe that he chose not to run for any public office after his term as Vice President concluded in March 1873.

Who else served as both Speaker of the House and Vice President?

Schuyler Colfax Jr. is one of only two individuals in American history to have held both the distinguished office of Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Vice Presidency of the United States. The other person to achieve this unique distinction was John Nance Garner, who served as Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt and as Speaker prior to that.